Microsoft Word Help > Can't Backspace Highlighted Text?

Question

On my microsoft word (PC), I've recently noticed that it won't allow me to backspace highlighted text.

I also cannot replace highlighted text by typing over it. The only was to delete text is by highlighting and using the "delete" button or by backspacing a single letter at a time.

I may have unintentionally changed preferences that is causing this. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi,

To fix this problem:

Click on Tools > Options > Edit: Tick Typing replaces selection.

Click on OK

Answer 2

No because the back space doesn't work like that. It's only function is to move to the left one space for every press of the key. If you highlight text to delete it, use the delete key. A back space will only delete one character or space per press to the left. If you use the delete key it will only delete one character or space per press to the right. Update ► Seeing your last comments I went and tried it in Word. It does not work, highlighting and using the backspace. If you highlight text and use the backspace all it will do is take the cursor back to the begining of the highlighting. Nothing more. The highlighted text remains.

Answer 3

Go to Tools, Preferences/Options/Settings and check all the Tabs.

I really do advise you do this every so often, you can make your life so less traumatic, just go through every tab in detail, it'll take tops of 5 minutes.

You'd be amazed how crappy the Default settings are, and it's a really customizable tool, go out there and change it! *wink*